Gold Coast Theme Parks and Theme Parks on the Sunshine Coast are the type of activity that will create amazing memories for Brisbane Kids, as well as for many visiting families.
Our advice with any theme park is to arrive early, with an esky full of cold drinks and snack food and, if you are on a strict budget, bring your own lunch. Some theme parks will not allow you to bring in an esky, however pass-outs are always available so you can return to your car at any time to grab a snack.
We also suggest checking out our discount theme park tickets page for some awesome deals!
Theme Parks in South East Queensland
Aussie World, Palmview
Itโs rides unlimited at Aussie World on the Sunshine Coast, with over 30 rides and attractions for the young and the young at heart. Rides include the water ride Plunge, water play area Leakโn’ Logs, thrill ride Redback, SX360, Giant Slide, Dingo Coaster, dodgems, Mini Golf, Ferris Wheel, and the classic Space Shaker Swinging Ship.
There is plenty for the little kids too with the Tin Lids Tea Party ride, the Carousel, Little Beaut…Toot Toot, and everyone’s favourite, Side Show Alley.
Buy a ticket today and enjoy unlimited rides for the one all-inclusive price. And with shorter queuing times you get to ride your favourite ride as often as you like!
Cruise into the cafรฉ for snacks, lunch, an ice cream or drink and donโt forget to grab an awesome souvenir from the retail shop.
Aussie World is open most days from 10am to 4pm, though it pays to check their calendar, as they are sometimes closed on Monday and Tuesday’s during term time and on some public holidays.
There are plenty of retail experiences on-site and next door, so be sure to look around. You should also check out our review of Aussie World
Located on the Palmview on Sunshine Coast.
Dreamworld Theme Park, Helensvale
Dreamworld is the original theme park for kids, with roller coasters, the Giant Drop, Sky Voyager and tonnes of other thrill rides, family rides and kids’ rides.
In addition, Dreamworld also boasts being home to several Sumatran and Bengal tigers and a range of Australian wildlife. This park also features a small water play area, shows and entertainment, special events and night markets, It’s a full day out for any Brisbane Kid and their family and friends.
Located at Helensvale on the Gold Coast.
Whitewater World, Helensvale
Whitewater World is the water park co-located beside Dreamworld and is especially good for younger Brisbane Kids given its range of age-appropriate activities.
Rides include the Fully 6, The Green Room, The Rip, SuperTubes Hydrocoaster, Temple of Huey and The Little Rippers. In addition, they feature Wiggle Bay, Cave of Waves, and Pipeline Plunge.
Located at Helensvale on the Gold Coast (in front of Dreamworld)
Sea World Theme Park, Main Beach
Sea World is a favourite Gold Coast theme park filled with marine life wonders!
Rides such as the Leviathan, Vortex, Storm Coaster and Jet Rescue Coaster will increase your heart rate, while Donatella’s Ninja Flyers, Boot’s Banana Boogie and Bikini Bottom Crosstown Express are gentler options for families.
The family-friendly Nickelodeon Land features rides and amusements for younger children and the opportunity to meet Nickelodeon cartoon favourites such as Sponge Bob, Dora the Explorer, TMNT and Paw Patrol characters.
The animals at Sea World include dolphins, penguins, seals and sharks, as well as the main attraction – the polar bears. Sea World hosts a variety of animal talks and can also organise cruises, helicopter rides and whale watching experiences.
Located at Main Beach on the Gold Coast.
Warner Bros Movie World, Oxenford
Warner Bros Movie World is a Gold Coast movie-based theme park where everyoneโs a star!
Visit this theme park for the best live stunt shows, live musical spectaculars, family fun zone and awesome rides.
There’s a Hollywood theme to Movie World, with the Green Lantern Coaster, Superman Escape, DC Rivals HyperCoaster, the Scooby-Doo Spooky Coaster and more. You can even get lost in The Wizard of Oz precinct.
For younger family members, you’ll find a whole section dedicated to mini-fun in the Kids’ WB Fun Zone. Find out why we think Movie World is a great theme park for toddlers.
Located at Oxenford on the Gold Coast.
Wet’n’Wild, Oxenford
Wet’n’Wild is the ultimate in water fun for adults and kids alike. This is the original with its amazing array of waterslides, tyre rides, wave pools, kids rides and much more.
A full day will be had with your Brisbane Kid. Offers movie night screenings in the wave pool.
Read our review of the features for younger children at Wet’n’Wild Junior.
Located at Oxenford on the Gold Coast.
Paradise Country, Oxenford
Tucked away behind Warner Bros. Movie World you will find the lesser known theme park, Paradise Country. Showcasing a large contingent of native animals in a peaceful surrounding.
You won’t find any thrilling rides here just a fun playground, tractor ride, and a few shows and presentations. The Shaun the Sheep theme will be sure to please the littlest members of the family, while the older members will be content checking out the animals and maybe even enjoying an animal experience (for an additional fee).
They even have a Farmstay, so if you want to make the most of your time on the Gold Coast, consider staying the night.
Located at Oxenford on the Gold Coast.
Australian Outback Spectacular, Oxenford
Australian Outback Spectacular is an immersive arena show featuring Australian characters and animals telling the story of two Australian farmers. The show is complemented perfectly with a three-course meal and beverages. While this is generally an evening show, there is a matinee show once a month.
Bookings essential.
Located at Oxenford on the Gold Coast.
Thunderbird Park, Mt Tamborine
Thunderbird Park in the leafy Mount Tamborine has a little something for everyone, featuring Thunder-egg fossicking, crystal panning, mini golf, a high ropes course, laser skirmish, bird feeding and the super awesome Dig IT, a mini excavator park. The hardest part will be deciding what to do first.
A kiosk and restaurant are onsite, as is accomodation options.
Check out our review of Thunderbird Park.
Located at Mount Tamborine in the Gold Coast Hinterland.
The Ginger Factory, Buderim
Still going strong after 40+ years, the Ginger Factory offers a great morning or afternoon out for Brisbane Kids (and parents) with a number of rides and attractions sprawling over a nine-hectare site.
Take a tour of the factory, watch one of the informative Super Bee talks, or tour the grounds on the train – there are plenty of options for a quality family outing. Coupled with the variety of shops and licensed cafe, you can really make a day of it at the Ginger Factory!
Check out our full Ginger Factory review.
Located at Buderim on the Sunshine Coast.
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